PRICE increases at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre will come into effect on 1 September. Increases will be made in most areas apart from swimming, charges for which will remain at 2005 levels.

‘We are aware that swimming is one of the most popular activities to take place at the centre and as such we are looking to promote this pastime and make it as accessible as possible for the local community,’ said director of leisure services Keith Gallienne.

Prices at the centre have not changed since September last year.

The cost of individual mainstream activity sessions will see increases of between 10p and 60p.

Mr Gallienne said the Culture and Leisure Department believed the new rates would continue to ensure Beau Sejour’s facilities were within affordable reach of its many users while also helping the centre towards an acceptable financial performance.

Membership charges will not rise until 1 January.

Some of the increases are within the June RPI figure of 4.7% ‘March was 4.8%’ while others exceed it.

The cost of a solarium to non-members increases from £7.80 to £8.20 ’5.1%’ while a sauna at peak times goes up from £6.80 to £7.10 ’4.4%’.

Hiring the main Sir John Loveridge sports hall for 55 minutes will increase from £96 to £100.80, a rise of 5%, regardless of membership status.

The biggest increase in percentage terms is, by a considerable margin, for the creche facility.

The cost for half-an-hour to Freedom members rises from 50p to 60p ’20%’, for choice members from 80p to 90p ’12.5%’ and for non-members from £1.50 to £1.70 ’13.3%’.

Other increase percentages vary, but peak at 7.7%.

* St Sampson’s deputy Ron Le Moignan has long held the view that the centre should be privatised. Culture and Leisure maintains that while it does not make money, Beau Sejour provides an affordable facility for the whole community.